I am 58 years old, and about 40 pounds heavier than I would like to be. I am early into the program, but I am impressed and will continue it. You need weights (3, 5, maybe 8, depending on your capability and current level of strength) and a resistance band of some kind to start this program. I am not using the diet plan, but it looks like a good one.
This is the third week I have been using Lessons 1 & 2 and the Cardio 1 DVD. It says to switch to Lessons 3 & 4 at the end of week 2, but I am older and out of shape, so I feel I still have some work to do before I am comfortable moving to the next lessons. I have vertigo, so I experience some balance issues, and until I feel my core is stronger, I am postponing. I may move forward at the end of week 3, but may wait another week.
The moves are not difficult at this level; for me, the challenges are endurance and speed. It is a challenge to keep up with Jillian and her group, but she is encouraging and repeats time and again - "you do what you can do, you showed up and that is what counts." She shows alternatives that make moves easier starting out, and that would make them harder (if you, say, decide at the end of the DVD set to start over at the beginning you can up the difficulty and the challenge). The program is easily adaptable for my age (and lack of endurance, at this point). The important thing is to keep moving and trying. She is enthusiastic and positive, and coaches in a way that I find pushes me harder when I start to feel the burn. It feels to me like she is in the room with me. Her mantra includes "you can do anything for 30 minutes," and she is right. It goes by pretty quickly and is easy to devote 30 minutes a day to get myself in shape. After 18 days, I feel stronger, tighter, a little slimmer, and have more energy and mobility. I am doing things - like the plank - that I could not do the first week. I sleep better and, in general, feel more positive and focused.
I read many reviews before I purchased this set. I saw criticisms of her language, not sure why. She uses the A word, as in kicking behind. Not a big deal to me, seems pretty benign. You hear mild (in my opinion) words on this level in the store, on television, just about anywhere. I can't imagine the other DVDs would contain language that escalates beyond this level (if you follow my drift) as there would be no point in damaging her brand. And that is what you are doing, kicking your own behind. She didn't get where she is by being a shrinking violet. She is tough, demanding, lively, young and happy. This comes across in her coaching, and her crew is the same way. They sweat and smile and have a good time. It may sound strange, but you do develop a camaraderie with the people in this DVD. I actually find it more encouraging that going to a live class (where I have heard far worse language, and the DVD set is way less expensive than a crowded class). I find nothing offensive here. At all.
The price of this DVD set is less than half of the cost of a live, 3-day a week, local class for one month, and a much better investment. I own them. Forever. I like the privacy of my own home, not driving somewhere (adds an hour round trip, inconvenient and useless travel time to every local live workout for me), and having the choice of doing working out at 8 am or 10 pm or any hour between. My choice. I absolutely would recommend this DVD to anyone, men or women, young or old. There is enough change up to keep it interesting and challenging. Alternating DVD lessons is a great idea.
It is a 90 day program. That is the end goal. Three months (though I think I will just start over when I reach the end, and increase resistance with heavier weights). With classes, you just keep going and paying, going and paying, going and paying, until you either can't drag yourself there because you are too busy, or results feel too slow. In three months, I know I will be in better shape and lose weight. How much doesn't even matter to me. This I can do. It is realistic for me in my life. I feel energized and excited already after just this short time.
Start out slowly, and expect it to be painful, especially if you are out of shape and/or older, like me. Check with your doctor before beginning, the regular disclaimer yada yada.... I find this program a challenge, gratifying and well worth my time and money.
I believe I will go through the entire program. I want to go through the entire program. If there are moves I can't do, I will just keep moving and trying. If I can eventually do them, great. If not, I will keep trying or modify them so I can gain something. I will continue to show up and work. After just a couple weeks, I can feel the difference.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 11.73 x 9.25 x 2.05 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.93 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.72 ounces |
| Brand Name | Gaiam |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Material | weight loss system |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Gaiam |
| Part Number | 05-59144 |
| Model Year | 2016 |
